CBC management grossly inflated revenue projections in a failed attempt to win national radio advertisers, records show. The Crown broadcaster missed its revenue targets by 94 percent: “It’s like they live in a fantasy world”.
Oil sands development is polluting lakes even in areas without direct drilling, say researchers. A University of Ottawa study found methods used to liquefy oil below the surface are releasing toxins into waterways: “We need to look more seriously at this”.
MPs are questioning a tight deadline to report on sweeping changes to the Elections Act within 12 weeks. Members of the Commons Special Committee on Electoral Reform yesterday were told to slow their work and go to the voters with a referendum on any changes: “What is the problem we’re trying to solve?”
A federally-subsidized toll bridge company is one of the most profitable corporations on earth, according to new estimates from the Parliamentary Budget Office. Authorities yesterday estimated owners of Prince Edward Island’s Confederation Bridge effectively double their money each year with a 54 percent profit margin. General Motors earns 12 percent by comparison: “It’s the most expensive driving experience in Canada”.
Environment Canada proposes “economic incentives” to curb Great Lakes pollution. Regulators said options include tax rebates, credits and direct subsidies: ‘We have no perceived notion of whether it will work’.
Changes to the Canada Elections Act without a referendum or other public ratification will invite a Supreme Court challenge, says a former provincial Liberal leader. MPs yesterday heard committee testimony that most Canadians surveyed want a referendum on election reforms: ‘Unilateral change might not be lawful’.
Health Canada regulations have stymied the country’s only clinical study of whether vaping is effective in curbing tobacco use, says a researcher. Electronic cigarettes are largely unregulated: “This area is really crying out for research”.
Cabinet is being petitioned to introduce a pay equity bill in 2017 as recommended by a Commons committee. Two hundred prominent women yesterday asked the Prime Minister to comply with the committee deadline: “What happens if that report becomes inconvenient?”
The heritage department spent nearly $55,000 interviewing Canadians on whether they enjoy Christmas lights and tobogganing. Both are popular, said newly-released federal surveys: ‘It’s like asking if you favour cotton candy and unicorns’.
A forestry company has lost a bid to turn a defamation lawsuit against Greenpeace into an “inquiry” of the group’s fundraising and protest methods. Resolute Forest Products Inc. sued for $7 million alleging environmentalists maliciously interfered in its sale of paper products: “If calling myself a radical helps the cause, go for it”.
MPs underestimate the benefits of Canada’s current election system and should be wary of sweeping reforms, a Commons committee has been told. Cabinet vows to adopt unspecified amendments to the Elections Act by the next campaign in 2019: “Canadian democracy already functions”.
Cabinet would be compelled to promote co-operatives and allow existing boards to qualify for federal grants under a private Liberal bill in the Commons. The legislation follows data that 25 percent of legacy co-operatives see no annual growth: ‘Very few business schools educate Canadians about co-ops’.
A federal judge is being asked to settle a human rights dispute over municipalities’ right to hire and fire. Lawyers sued to block a Canadian Human Rights Tribunal investigation of a claim of workplace discrimination: “We can’t create a position”.
A national monument to Cold War victims is again being scaled back with completion delayed till 2019. The Department of Canadian Heritage yesterday launched a design competition for a more modest memorial with reduced budget. Original plans called for 9/11-style beacon lighting and an 800-seat amphitheatre: ‘It is dignified’.
A national referendum on electoral reform could divide the country, says former New Democrat leader Ed Broadbent. The 80-year old Broadbent yesterday told a Commons committee Canada’s current Elections Act “totally distorts the democratic will”.
